Baby Flyer Found

[mbenefield]

I received a flying squirrel today and am completely unsure about its age. I am having a hard time finding pictures of these squirrels to see similarities. He is small; however, I have heard that flying squirrels are smaller than more common tree squirrels found around our area. He is very active and washes himself after given a bath. Still is due a few more baths probably since he fell in a (cold) cup of coffee this morning before I got him. Poor baby!!! He has eatten probably 2.5cc's of the formula after 2 ccs of hydrator (water/salt/sugar).
I have put a monkey biscuit into the cage to see if he was old enough to eat it and he hasn't touched it. I know I still need to feed him formula for a while I just don't know for how long I need to do this.
He is a great jumper already. Does have a little hurt tip of the tail. But doesn't look too bad unless he is the one that chewed it raw. May have been the coffee bothering his skin. I have given him one towel rag bath and one where i ran warm water over his back end. Will wait a little bit before I try another bath.
He is on a heating pad right now for warmth. And I have found he loves the back of my neck under my hair. Cute thing!!!

[TinyPaws]

One of our flyer experts should be on soon, in the meantime I would hold off on any more baths...Just keep him warm and fed..and since he is jumping around he should be kept in a cage for his protection....make sure you don't leave the toilet seat up or water standing in the sink or pots, etc to protect him from drowning..several flyer owners loose their baby's because it fell into the toilet or some water...They can not swim so would be unable to save themself.....Hang on someone will be here soon..

[mbenefield]

Okay thank you. I will hold off on baths until I hear from someone. My other concern I just noticed he has some type of injury on his hip. I do not know how serious it is because of the fur is still hard and matted together.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:Welcome and thank you for rescuing baby flyer, Can you post a pic?
Heat is good, especially if he is injured.
We have a forum called ABCs of Baby Sqs....great info.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56
I'm not sure this link will work.:dono
Someone will be on soon.:grouphug

[skye]

Hello there and :Welcome

[Jackie in Tampa]

What formula are you feeding? We recommend ESBILAC PUPPY REPLCER MILK, TractorStore, feed store, pet stores, Petco, Petsmart and some vets will carry it. It sounds like you are using syringe:thumbsup I use a 1cc or 1mm very slowly. Too fast can cause diarehha and may aspirate baby causing pnemonia.
T shirts, not towels as bedding.
Is the baby hydrated? Pinch the skin lightly between shoulder blades, if it 'tents' you must hydrate. Never feed a cold or dehydrated baby formula.

[mbenefield]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l314/kiki_white/PA161045.jpg


http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l314/kiki_white/PA161038.jpg


http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l314/kiki_white/PA161045.jpg


The last picture you can see his hip where his injury may be. Not sure what it is. Just hairless area

[mbenefield]

I am giving Espilac milk, water, & whipping cream mixture. It is probably a 2cc syringe with nipple attached to end. He has still only eatten 2.5 and has went teetee already.
I have tried giving him more and he hasn't taken any at all. He is so active he really hasn't sit still long enough to think about eating anymore.
How much should I expect to feed him and how many times a day? I have heard bad things about over feeding and I do not want this to happen.

[mbenefield]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l314/kiki_white/PA161043.jpg

[digiandchipper]

:wave123 I'm sorry I'm not a flyer expert and I see one hasn't replied yet...at least he's eating and active:) I definitely wouldn't give him any more baths until you hear from someone, and do keep him warm.

I've tried copying the link to the flyer forum below; if it doesn't work go to the breed specific section and click on flyer info......hope this helps until an expert replies



http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=396

[digiandchipper]

p.s. oh my gosh, he is SO cute:Love_Icon

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thumbsup precious...

[mbenefield]

Thank you - he is precious!!!
Does that picture of his hip look serious. I am worried maybe a hernia or something like that. Not exactly an open wound but still worried.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thinking I am thinking a hernia is on the belly.
Maybe from a fall?
Is there a wound/scrap or just bald?
Is he moving ok?

[TinyPaws]

It looks like he is somewhere between 5-6 weeks old, if he is refusing the formula try introducing some vegitables and a little fruit, he may be getting ready to wean....Grapes are a good start, but make sure to peel it first to avoiding chocking on the skin...also peeled apple cubes, a few cheerios...and offer him a pecan in the shell so he can use it to chew on...I would continue to offer him the formula...try adding some yogart in it, about 1/3 of the formula...just make sure it is NOT the fat free type....

[muffinsquirrel]

Awwwww - he's a doll! Probably around 5 weeks or so - still got the 'wet greasy' look they have when they're young. He will need a heating pad , set on low, put under half of his box or cage or whatever, for extra warmth. (Whatever you use, make sure it has a top of some sort - even as young as he is, he can climb and jump!) Only put it under half, so that he can move away from the heat if he wants to. Use fleece or old tee shirts for bedding - no towels or other loose woven fabric. That way there won't be any chance of him getting a claw or foot caught and hurting himself. One of the small square kleenex boxes makes a great nest box for a flyer baby. Put small pieces of fleece and/or plain white unscented tissue or paper towels in it. Remember to feed him very slowly, so that he won't aspirate, which could lead to pneumonia. I'd feed him 4 times a day, and see how he does with that. You really need a gram scale (available in kitchen department at Walmart, etc) to keep up with his weight - the amount you feed him depends on how much he weighs. You will also need to make sure he is gaining weight like he should be.

I would advise having him checked by a vet and put on antibiotics in the morning, in case his wounds were caused by a cat. A cat's saliva can be deadly to a squirrel. He should be put on the antibiotics ASAP.

BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOU TAKE HIM TO A VET!! I just remembered that you're in Alabama, and it is illegal to own one there. You may want to locate a rehabber that can take him and raise and release him - rehabbers will have the necessary meds. If you decide to try a vet, call first and see whether they will treat him or if they will take him from you. You don't have to give your name or anything when you call to check them out. If you run into problems, let us know, and we will try to find someone to help.

Good luck with your baby. I'm sorry that Alabama isn't a legal state - flyers make wonderful pets. Oh yes, check on the board that is listed under my signature - NFSA specializes only in flyers, and you will find lots of good info there.

muffinsquirrel

[mbenefield]

Right next to the bald aread (which is slightly raised) is a mate of hair. Very hard still I was kinda messing with the tuff of hair and there does seem to be a cut under it. Not bleeding just moist and very pink.

At that age if he is to be on formula still how often should he be fed? I will go by first thing in the morning for some fruits or vegetables to see how he likes those. Are there any suggestions as to what is better or worse for that? He hasn't touched his monkey biscuit I have for him.

[digiandchipper]

I believe they like apples and grapes (both without the skin, of course!:) ) Do you have any plain cheerios?

[TinyPaws]

You might want to try some neosporin on his cut...Does he have a name yet? He may also enjoy sleeping inside your shirt...

[mbenefield]

Vet wise I know I will be safe taking him to somewhere in Alabama. I do know a vet personally that would help me in anyway possible. I would worry though if he would be able to help since he does not see many squirrels or may not see them at all. I may take him for a checkup. I would rather be safe than sorry later for not doing it.

I will definitly try neosporen. Not sure why I didn't think of that before.

I am still trying out names. Looking for something spunky to go with his personality.

[digiandchipper]

How is the baby today?:Love_Icon

[mbenefield]

I took Keba to the vet Friday and they said that they thought his side/hip would be okay. It was already scabbing up however, they weren't 100% sure how deep it was.

She has been eatting good I guess. Not sure how much she should be eatting each time. Right now she is eating about 1.5 cc's every 4 hours. And about 2 or a little over 2 in the morning time.

I have posted another thread with my potty questions, but I can post it here also. She has had round hard pellet poo since Thursday when I got her; however, about an hour ago she had golden/yellow hard poo about a half of an inch long. What does that mean. Below is a picture of her yellow poo & right beside it is her previous poo's that are hard round pellets.


http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l314/kiki_white/PA191053.jpg

[mbenefield]

She is doing good. I have put a t-shirt in her cage with a pocket and she just loves the pocket!!! She is eating good however, we are having the poo problem I posted right before this. I don't know what that means.

She is much more vocal today. I don't know if that means soemthing is wrong or she is scared or what. She is making a squeeky noise all the time. Seems like even in her sleep she is doing it. Almost a squeek/weeze noise. I hope it isn't her breathing. It isn't constant so I would say it isn't, it just worries me when I hear it.

[digiandchipper]

I'm sorry I don't really know about flyers, but I know when I got my babies, after they had been eating the esbilac a few days, their poo became gold instead of brown (kinda like breastfed babies)..... maybe someone is online tonight who knows more.....

Good luck, I'm sure things will be fine:)

[mbenefield]

I have read many messages about not using cotton balls due to stings/threads getting wrapped around legs and arms. Is tiolet paper okay?

[digiandchipper]

I saw in the flyer section that cotton balls were GOOD bedding for them... did you check that thread yet? Also, I copied the following, maybe there are some ideas for you? :thumbsup

When his eyes have been opened for a few days, you can start to offer him solid food - cheerios, pecan pieces, peeled apple chunks. Of course, you will still be giving him formula until he decides that he no longer wants it. Also offer yogurt in a bottle cap or small dish. That way he will continue to want it when he is grown, and it is a good source of calcium all his life.

Most of all, spoil him rotten, and do everything he tells you to - flyers get very irritated when they have to spend a lot of time and energy training their humans!"

(They also mentioned carrying them in your pocket so they will bond with you. Sorry if you know all this already, didn't see anyone else signed on reading this section :D )

[digiandchipper]

here, too, is a link about feeding.....

http://nfsa.us/messageboard/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=7146&hilit=how+much+to+feed

They did mention that 5 wks (I think I just read your baby is about that?) is time to introduce some solids......

Thanks, Gammas Baby for the nfsa info:)

[mbenefield]

THank you very very much for the sites to look at.
Her sounds and poo seem normal by the forum I read. (Wipe sweat off brow)!!!!!
I definitly need to weigh her to see how much she needs to be eating. Hopefully tomorrow I can figure out how much she weight and I will post to be sure I am calculating everything correctly.

[digiandchipper]

Hope you enjoyed reading all the links for Keba (cool name :thumbsup ) last night -or early this moring :D ! I'll bet the NFSA gave you some great ideas for new food to try and how much to give - don't try to wean all at once, though :) !

Will be checking in later this afternoon for an update! More pictures would be great!!! Have a great day :peace

[mbenefield]

I just did the weight to formula calcuation and she seems to be doing just right. She weighs 28.4 grams x .25 = 7.1 cc's per day. I feed her probably 5 times at 1.5 each so she is right on.

[mbenefield]

To babies grow fast?
By the calculation I wasn't sure if she was small for her age. She doesn't physically look small or frail at all to me. But seems like she isn't eating as much as the websites expect. But she is eating correctly for her weight.

[mbenefield]

I have included a diced peeled apple, peeled grape, and cheerios today. Not much interest so far but maybe she will get interested later when I am not watching her.

[digiandchipper]

Just checking in on your little flyer - how's it going?:)

[muffinsquirrel]

Don't cut the apple, or anything else, too small. You want the pieces to be big enough for the baby to chew on, and not small enough to get in their mouth and swallow.

About the cotton balls.....we have always reccomended them for bedding. They are natural, and any strings that form can be broken, unlike poly fiber. But last year a HOF on NFSA found a strand of cotton twisted tightly around one of her flyer pup's legs. Luckily, she got it off in time. I still do use cotton balls occasionally, but tend to use mostly kleenex, toilet tissue, or Viva paper towels for bedding now, all plain white and unscented. The kleenex and tissues can be a cheap brand, but Viva is the best paper towel - no other brand seems to suit them. I also use a lot of fleece, cut in pieces or strips, for bedding.

muffinsquirrel

[mbenefield]

She just loves apples and pears. Apples more than pears though. But how many should I give her. I do skin them and cut in small (but not so small she can swallow) pieces. Big enough that she will hold it in her paws and nibble off of.

During the day time I haven't been giving her any. Only at night. But I don't know if I am giving her too much.

Thank you for your help!!!

[mbenefield]

At what point do they not need a heating pad anymore? Or will they always need one?

[mbenefield]

I noticed her recently not wanting the heat.

WORRRRRRRRRYYYYYYY!!!!!
I noticed today that her wrist/arm is very swollen and red. I seen it the other day but never got a good look at the other paw to compare. It is definitly swollen and red and the other arm isn't. He still uses her hand to hold food, crawl and jump. But you can tell it is a little different. Like on her toes, she doesn't spread them and grip when she is just sitting on my hand. Her toes just lay all together and just sit there.

Should I just be careful with her and not make her exert too much strain on her paw when crawling around me or doing anything. Or should I seek immediate vet help. (Again local vet didn't do too much to help when I took her in the day I got her) But I can try again since I have a specific need.

Or do these things heal themselves??

Worried Mommy!

[digiandchipper]

You have had her now a week? Was the paw like this then or is this something new? Can you post a pic of the paw?

[mbenefield]

I definitly will. Give me just a second and I will have a new one up.

[mbenefield]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l314/kiki_white/PA231069.jpg



You can tell above her wrist is a red swollen area. She still crawls with it, she just doesn't put as much pressure.
She will hold food with it also.

What do I need to do?

[mbenefield]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l314/kiki_white/PA231069-1.jpg


Here is the other picture croped and closer up.

[digiandchipper]

I can't see it very well - can you try posting it bigger (sorry, I don't know how to resize someone else's pic, and not sure if I can if I'm not a moderator:thinking )

[mbenefield]

I don't know alot about how to do that, but see if this is any better.



http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l314/kiki_white/PA231069-2-1.jpg

[digiandchipper]

Also, I am sorry but did you say this is new? I know you said you saw it the other day, but when you first found her did you notice that the paws were okay then? Does she seem to have any pain when you touch the paw or the fingers? Could she have fallen?

[digiandchipper]

I think we keep posting on top of each other - sorry! That pic is much better, thanks...Can you post a pic of the other paw, too, so the rehabbers can compare?

[mbenefield]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l314/kiki_white/PA231069-3.jpg

[mbenefield]

Oh no... I feel like she may have just been chewing on it.
I am hoping licking. But I got her out to try to take a picture of her other paw and after she ran around a little big she held it with her other paw and licked/chewed on it.

I couldn't get a picture of her, I am very sorry.

But here is one, blurry, but you can see how she holds it differently when just sitting.


http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l314/kiki_white/PA231073.jpg

[mbenefield]

When I first got her I did not notice anything wrong with her paw. However, I was more concerned with her injured tail and hip. Tree trimmer got her.
So that was really my only priority. I know it wasn't like it is now. I noticed her wrist swelling probably 2 days ago but today is completely different. She babies it much more today than yesterday.

It seems to be more of a knot than puffy/swelling. She doesn't make a noise when I touch it. But I don't think she likes for me to do that.

[digiandchipper]

Poor thing.... she is so cute. I do hope one of the flyer rehabbers sees your post soon. Meanwhile, I guess I would try to keep her from biting it. What do you think about applying some neosporin (in case it's a bite as Jackie suggested it might be?)

[Jackie in Tampa]

Could it be a bug bite?

[mbenefield]

At first I thought yes it may be. But she isn't using her paw the same as the others. She curls it up if not walking or crawling. If it was just a bite she would still walk the same wouldnt' she?

The skin is very pink but I do not see a white/yellow spot like an ant bit will make. My only concern would be perhaps fleas. Would they do this?

[muffinsquirrel]

What kind of cage do you have her in? If it's wire, what is the spacing on the wire? (It should be 1/2" or less.) Any chance that she may have caught that paw in something, somehow? Can you see any sort of bite or 'head' or scratch on the swollen place? Is any of the hair falling out? Any other animals that might have reached in the cage, or scared the flyer?

You say the leg has been swollen for a couple of days, and seems to be getting worse. I think I would definately take her back to the vet. If your vet isn't real familiar with flyers and isn't comfortable working with her, ask him if there is a vet that he could recommend - one that wouldn't take the flyer or report you.

Between her ear and her eye, in post #50, it looks like her fur is matted, like it would be over a wound of some sort. Is it just a 'bad hair day' or is there something there?

I hope you can find out what is wrong with her - it's terrible to have a hurt or sick flyer.....they are so tiny that you're almost scared to touch them.

muffinsquirrel

[mbenefield]

Why do you mention if something scared her? Would that have some cause of this?

I keep her in a large glass aquarium during the night and I take her to work in a travel animal carrier during the day. I am sure the travel isn't the greatest thing for her, but I didn't want to leave her at home alone.

[mbenefield]

On the travel animal carrier she is able to squeeze through the wire front. I put a towel over the front and she hasn't tried getting through it lately.

No animals could have reached in the cage. I have her sealed in the back bedroom away from other animals.

The toewl I put over the front of the travel carrier is a terry cloth which I know has the bad loops that nails could get stuck in. And I thouht it was absolutely cute the other day, but she was crawling up the front gate peeking over the towel. I don't know if her paw could have got hung in the towel when she tried jumping down.
Other than that I don't think she could have gotten it stuck in anything. I have a heating pad (which has like a felt cover) and a tshirt in her cage. That is it.

Her hip where she was hurt by the tree trimmer is bald. I guess it kinda shaved her somehow. Not sure.

My hsuband said that she had sometype of scar on the top of her head. I had not noticed it. I thought her hair was matted together from coffee still but he didn't think so.

[digiandchipper]

I think it might be best to take her back to the vet - in the morning, if possible. Can you go before work? I am just worried that her little arm is going to get worse as she tries to use it... I wonder if anyone on the board knows of a rehabber or a vet near you who knows more about small mammals and would care for a squirrel :dono . Do you mind posting generally what part of Alabama you are in? You could also post the question about a vet or rehabber in the section about rehabbers on the forum...I can't remember exactly what it's called, but it's a ways down the main list of topics when you sign on. Hope this helps; I'll check in on you guys in the morning. (Try to keep the little girl as quiet as possible so she doesn't further injure her paw) For now, I need some :sleep1

[mbenefield]

I will take her tomorrow. Because I agree that it is getting worse every day and I don't know what could happen next. And I will be out of town Saturdya and if I don't know something I will be worried out of my mind. But not to worry, my Mom is going to take care of lil Keba. She is more of an animal lover than I could ever describe. She will be in perfect hands Saturday till I get back hom.
Is there anyone who knows the type of medication you would give in a situation like this. Antiobotic name that I could suggest to the vet.
I live in Southeast Alabama. About an hour and a half from the Florida line. And just about 5 minutes from Georgia.

[4skwerlz]

If she can still walk on it, then a broken arm will probably heal by itself. Check if the paw feels warm, and reacts to being pinched. However, if the arm seems to be getting worse every day, then that's a different story. It could be some kind of abscess rather than a break, in which case she would need vet care. I can sympathise with you as I just went through this with my Henry.:grouphug

[4skwerlz]

One more thing: Since you weren't happy with the care you got from your vet last time, I would try to find a different vet. Google on "exotic vet" and your state; often there are listings. You could also get out your phone book and call around. Ask them if any of the vets have experience with flying squirrels or small rodents. If they don't, ask if they know anyone that does.

Personally, I'd drive a couple of hours to get good care rather than waste my money and time on a vet that doesn't take my squirrel seriously. You have a right to expect a vet to give your squirrel the same level of care he would give to a dog or cat!

[digiandchipper]

Sounds like good advice; since you are pretty close to Ga and FL, you might have several options. We have a great exotics vet in Jacksonville; I drive an hour + to take my bunny there and they are wonderful.....hope you can find a place and get her in today. Especially if Ala is an illegal state...

If it is an abcess as 4skwerls suggests, she will definitely need vet care. Good luck today and try to update before you go out of town so we can all either worry or be relieved (or both!) together:) :) :)

[mbenefield]

I went by the vet's office this morning and our normal doctor is out of town and the other person that works at the clinic said he would not treat a squirrel. Past looking and giving advice he wouldn't do anything. He did mention if there was a particular medication I needed for her, he would get it for me, but wouldn't do anything. I have since called the other 2 in town and they do not do that either. His recommendation was Auburn. Which is a wonderful vet school but outrageously expensive!!!!! (Took cat there one time for a eye cold and it cost $425 for just the visit, no medication included)

I don't know what to do. It is 5 till I get off of work..... I had my heart set on the vet's office being able to help.

[digiandchipper]

I live in Southeast Alabama. About an hour and a half from the Florida line. And just about 5 minutes from Georgia.

Have you googled your zip code for exotic vets or wildlife centers? Can someone else take her if you can get an appt while you are at work? What about the rehabber list I PM'd you last night? Any possibilities there?

[mbenefield]

Her paw is warm when I felt it this morning. She is so active in her cage. She in constantly walking or jumping around. When I want her to be still she will not, but when I want to play all she wants to do is run in her cage and sleep.

But I know it is bothering her because she is nibbling on me I guess telling me it hurts.

[mbenefield]

I called a lady this morning and I haven't herd back from her yet. She lives only about an hour away.
Hopefully I will hear something very soon.

Unfortunately everyone I would ask is working as well. I hate living in a small city where nothing is around. (We don't have mall, movie theatre, etc...) Everything is at least an hour and a half drive from here.

[digiandchipper]

From your description of being near both GA and FL, are you near Dothan? Here are two listings I found:

Dothan

Martin-Clark Animal Hospital, P.C.
2801 Ross Clark Circle, S.W.
Dothan, AL 36301

Tel: (334) 794-6624
Fax: (334) 615-7965
EMail Martin-Clark Animal Hospital

Dr. Robert E. Martin
Dr. Kenneth W. Clark
Dr. William L. Duke, DVM

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7am-6pm; Saturday: 8am-noon; Drop-offs welcome. Appointments preferred. Information: Small animal medicine and surgery. Birds and other exotics
Donald J. Branton, D.V.M. Relief and House Call Veterinarian
104 Gabriel Court
Dothan, AL 36303

Tel: (334) 793-7172
Fax: (334) 793-7172
EMail Dr. Branton / House Call Veterinarian

Dr. Donald J. Branton

Hours: Available Anytime by Appointment and Relief Contract
Information: Small Animal, Avian, Exotics and Wildlife

[digiandchipper]

Also check the thread on TSB:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=8

I see there are some Alabama rehabbers on there, but don't know if they are close to you...........maybe you can try to post there and get a reply for help.

[mbenefield]

I just called the 1st vet listed and they said that if they believe that he can be rehabilitated that they will do it themselves.

So they gave me the number of a man that would hopefully help that does this on his own and not with a vet clinic. Perhapse a licensed rehabber. I have called and spoke to his wife and she said he will give me a call back when he can.

[digiandchipper]

My fingers are crossed for you and the baby.......

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thumbsup Hoping for the best!
:bowdown :bowdown

[mbenefield]

I have spoke with 2 rehabbers in the area, please tell me if you disagree, and was told to just keep them confined to a small area for a few days and to let the leg heal on its own since it is not oozing or nothing is coming out of the swollen arm.

[mbenefield]

It is Monday morning and baby Keba is just as precious as ever. Her baby arm is looking better. Still swollen but no longer red and she is using it a little more than she was Friday or Saturday. Although she is still favoring it.

[digiandchipper]

Any updates/pics on the baby? Hope all is well!

[mbenefield]

She is doing very good. Just precious!!! Hopefully in the morning I can get some pictures of her up here. I have a hard time holding her & taking a picture - never turns out. Will wait till my husband gets off of work in the morning to help me.

She I just loving the new foods. More than formula now. She hardly wants to take any formula anymore. How old are they when they start not wanting or needing formula. I still try ever 4 hours, but she just isn't wanting much to any. I can normally just get her to take a very little bit at a time.

What is considered junk food for a squirrel and what is healthy food? And is there a suggested balance between fruits, vegetables, and nuts? So far she is eating sweet potato, apple, pear, cherrios, pecan pieces, and yogurt. I have some shelled peanuts coming tomorrow (hopefully). Any other suggestions. Hopefully will have some roasted pumpkin seeds tomorrow when we carve pumpkins.

And are there any foods that are bad for a squirrel? Like no chocolate for dogs. Is there any specific food that a squirrel shouldn't eat.

[mbenefield]

I am wondering about her forehead. Her fur doesn't look pretty like all the other. It kinda has a couple of matted together in a few places. And I even seen a tuff of hair falling out. I am watching it but will try a little warm moist towel to see if I can help her head hair if it is matted.

Oh she is so cute. She hides her food now throughout her cage now. I guess she is afraid I will steal it. :)

Yesterday she had a her first BIG day of running around. I let her run around the back bedroom (her bedroom now) for probably 3 hours. I had not let her out that long before. How much out of cage exercise is good for them? I was more worried she wouldn't know where her cage was if she was hungry or wanted in. (Doubt she would want in though)
I get so worried if I don't see her at any second I feel like it.
I don't know if ti is just her age, but she seems like such a bigger squirrel now. She is running around so much more. Or maybe her arm is feeling better. It is a little swollen but she uses it all the time now.

[mbenefield]

I know I have read it somewhere about when they start eating they can be cut back on formula. I guess I just was still worried she wasn't eatting enough. But she just took the formula very well just a few mintues ago.
Maybe she just doesn't need it as often since she is eatting other foods. She is so cute. I think she has taken over the closet as her's. She was playing on some luggage a minute ago running up, down, around and over again for probably 20 minutes. Then I opened the closet to get something out and she absolutely went nuts. I couldn't hold her for more than a half of a second. She was just running as fast as she could to get in there. And has since jumped up to the hanging clothes part and is playing on the hanging shirts.

Okay got another big question!!!! What is the difference between Monkey Biscuits, Squirrel Block, Cone something I read about?
With Keba being about 6-7 weeks old which should she be eatting? I believe I have seen the recipes or a few of them posted throughout. I just didn't know which was best. I guess since she is eating solid foods she needs one as well. When does the calcium need to be added and water as well?

[mbenefield]

Is Alfalfa Hay alright to use at the bottom of the cage?

[digiandchipper]

I don't know but it makes it smell like a stinky barnyard!:rotfl

[mbenefield]

Is there anything you would suggest besides the alfalfa hay? It does definitly have a strong smell. Please look at this cage and let me know what you think. I feel like I need to get her a bigger home, but I do not know if it is alright or what I should be looking for.

http://www.squirrelsandmore.com/product/579/reptarium.htm

Also, I am still worried about her little arm. It is still swollen. She uses it alot but I am worried she is using it too much to heal. She is in a glass aquarium right now, but she is really unhappy in there. I have had her in a large pet carrier and she constantly is trying to get back in the carrier. She crawls upside down on the wire lid of the aquarium and I am so afraid she will hurt herself again.

[mbenefield]

And ever since I started letting her have out of cage time she is a completely different squirrel. She has become so wild. I no longer get sweet time, she is just running everywhere she looks. Is this a part of getting older or do you think she is just unhappy. I do not know what to do. I can't even rub her anymore in her places she likes because she is running up my arm and around my body and over the bed and in the closet and repeating many times.

[Ardilla]

The running around like a crazy beast is normal. :crazy I try to have snuggle time in the early evening before she really wakes up. Because they are nocturnal, they are very rambunctious at night.

[mbenefield]

She still isn't eating in her new cage. I am so worried. How long does it take for them to adjust. I am guessing she WILL adjust right? She won't just refuse food.... I wouldn't think so... But it sure seems like she has.

[mbenefield]

Any ideas on her not eatting??? Is she just still refusing to accept her new house. It is a glass aquarium, if I didn't mention it earlier. Hopefully I can get her big cage built/bought soon. I have alfalfa hay right now lining the bottom with sticks to climb on, fleece pieces for bedding. I have another little wooden house I found at walmart with cotton stuffed in it and her food & water bowls.

But she isnt' eating well. I have to bring the yogurt to her for her to eat any. And she loves her yogurt.

I know I have read somewhere about information to build a cage for squirrels.
Can anyone give me ideas how instruction on how to build one?